Paris is one of the world's great expat destinations, but navigating international school admissions in Paris can feel overwhelming for families who are new to the French capital. The city hosts dozens of international schools spanning British, American, French Baccalauréat, and IB curricula, and competition for places at the most sought-after institutions can be fierce. This guide walks through the admissions process step by step — timelines, documents, waiting lists, language requirements, and what to expect at each stage in 2026.
Understanding the Paris International School Landscape
Paris and the ĂŽle-de-France region offer a remarkably diverse range of international schools. Broadly, they fall into three types: fully international schools teaching primarily in English (such as the American School of Paris and ICS Paris), bilingual French-English schools that serve both expat and local French families, and authorised IB World Schools offering the PYP, MYP, or Diploma programmes. Each has a different admissions culture, fee structure, and student body.
A key distinction for newcomers is between schools accredited by bodies such as CIS (Council of International Schools), NEASC, or COBIS, and those that are not. Accreditation matters for families who may relocate again — credits and transcripts from accredited schools are recognised globally.
Top International Schools in Paris
The following schools appear in the ISA directory for Paris and have verified profiles with current admissions information.
ICS Paris (International Community School)
ICS Paris is a leading international school in the heart of Paris, offering the IB Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma to students aged 3–18. The school has a genuinely multicultural community with over 60 nationalities represented, and provides strong English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Admissions are rolling, though the school recommends applying at least 12 months in advance for sought-after year groups. Annual fees range from approximately €18,000 to €30,000.
American School of Paris
The American School of Paris (ASP) is one of the oldest international schools in France, established in 1946. Located in Saint-Cloud to the west of the city, it offers the American curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12, supplemented by the IB Diploma at secondary level. ASP is particularly popular with American diplomatic and corporate families. The admissions process includes an assessment for students entering secondary level. Fees range from approximately €26,000 to €38,000 per year.
Lennen Bilingual School
Lennen Bilingual School offers a French-English bilingual programme in central Paris, making it an attractive option for families who want their children to develop deep French language skills alongside an internationally recognised curriculum. The school serves students from Early Years through secondary level. Its bilingual model is particularly valued by families planning to remain in France long-term or who have mixed French and international backgrounds.
Paris Admissions: Key Timelines
Understanding when to apply is one of the most critical factors in securing a place at an international school in Paris. The academic year in France runs from early September to late June or early July. Most schools operate on the following admissions calendar:
- September–November: Open days and campus visits. This is the ideal time to attend school events, meet admissions staff, and request application packs.
- November–January: Application window for the following September intake. Submit completed applications with all required documents before the stated deadline.
- January–March: Schools send admissions decisions. Families typically have 2–4 weeks to accept or decline an offer.
- March–May: Waiting list management. If your first-choice school is full, staying active on waiting lists can yield places as other families finalise their plans.
- June–August: Late admissions for families relocating at short notice. Many schools will review applications outside the main cycle if space is available.
For families moving to Paris mid-year, most international schools will consider applications on a rolling basis, particularly in the autumn term. It is worth contacting admissions offices directly to ask about current availability rather than waiting for a formal cycle to open.
Required Documents for Paris International School Applications
While every school has its own requirements, the following documents are almost universally requested:
- Completed application form (usually available on the school website)
- Copy of the child's passport (and parent passports)
- Most recent school reports — typically the last two years
- Any educational psychologist reports, learning support plans, or IEPs (Individual Education Plans)
- Proof of address in Paris or an expected address if not yet relocated
- Language assessment results (some schools test English or French proficiency)
- Confidential school reference (requested directly from the previous school by many Paris institutions)
Have these documents translated into French or English (whichever the school requires) before you apply. Notarised translations are rarely required for initial applications but may be needed at enrolment stage.
Language Support in Paris International Schools
One of the most common concerns for families arriving in Paris is language. If your child's English is limited and the school teaches primarily in English, or if the school has a bilingual French-English programme your child is not yet ready for, ask specifically about EAL (English as an Additional Language) and FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) support during the admissions process. Schools vary significantly in the depth of language support they provide: some have dedicated language teachers working with small groups daily, while others rely on in-class differentiation alone.
French language support is particularly important for families planning to stay in Paris for several years. Children who leave without functional French will have missed a significant opportunity. Ask prospective schools how many hours of formal French instruction children receive each week, even in English-medium schools.
Waiting Lists: What to Know
The most popular international schools in Paris — particularly those in desirable arrondissements or with strong IB results — regularly have waiting lists of 12–24 months for certain year groups. Being on a waiting list does not guarantee a place, but families who stay engaged, attend open days, and communicate actively with admissions teams tend to receive offers when spaces arise. Register on multiple schools' waiting lists simultaneously, and notify each school if your circumstances change (e.g., if your move date is delayed).
Find International Schools in Paris on ISA
Browse the full directory of international schools in Paris on International School Advisor to compare institutions by curriculum, year group, fee range, and arrondissement.
Among the schools listed on the platform: ICS Paris, American School of Paris, and Lennen Bilingual School. Each profile includes current admissions information, fee ranges, and accreditation details.
For a broader comparison of international schools across France, visit the best international schools in France ranking on ISA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start the admissions process for an international school in Paris?
Ideally, begin researching and visiting schools 12–18 months before your intended start date. Applications for September entry should typically be submitted by January of the same year. For families relocating at short notice, apply immediately and contact schools directly to ask about mid-year availability. The most competitive schools fill up early, so acting promptly is always advisable.
Do international schools in Paris require French language proficiency?
This depends on the school. Fully English-medium international schools generally do not require prior French ability, though they will assess a child's English level. Bilingual French-English schools will typically require some French ability, particularly for older students. All international schools in Paris do provide some level of French instruction as part of their curriculum. Dedicated EAL and FLE support varies — ask each school specifically about their language support programme.
What fees should I expect at an international school in Paris?
Annual tuition at international schools in Paris generally ranges from €15,000 to €40,000 depending on the school and year group. Additional costs include registration fees (€500–€2,000), a one-time capital levy or development fee (€2,000–€8,000), uniforms, lunch, and extracurricular activities. Families should budget approximately 15–25% above the headline tuition figure for these additional costs. Some schools offer sibling discounts and a small number provide need-based financial assistance.